New concept image reveals details of the U.S. Navy's secret F/A-XX fighter jet

The secrecy surrounding the sixth-generation F/A—XX fighter program for the US Navy has eased slightly after one of the key participants in the competition, Northrop Grumman, published a new conceptual image of its version of a carrier—based combat aircraft. The rendering, posted on the company's official website in the section dedicated to naval aviation, shows the front of the future fighter jet against the background of an aircraft carrier deck.

Although the image does not show the wings, tail unit or the full appearance of the aircraft, it provides important design clues: a pointed nose, characteristic fuselage lines, as well as elements indicating low radar visibility (stealth technology) are noticeable. The locations of sensors and antennas are also visible, which indicates a high degree of integration of sensors and communication systems.

Unlike the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program The US Air Force, focused on gaining air superiority, the F/A-XX is being developed taking into account the specifics of naval operations. Its main tasks are strikes against ground and surface targets, fleet support, and operations in remote theaters of war, especially in the Pacific region.

China's growing naval power and the geographical features of the Pacific Ocean require the new fighters to have increased flight range, greater autonomy and the ability to operate as part of a network-centric combat system, including interaction with unmanned loyal wingmen (CCA) and aircraft carrier groups.

Northrop Grumman, Boeing and Lockheed Martin are involved in developing concepts for the F/A-XX. The U.S. Navy has not yet disclosed the full requirements, but it is clear that the sixth—generation fighter will be the centerpiece of a future carrier air group - combining high stealth, advanced electronics, artificial intelligence, and likely partial or full autonomy.

Spain refuses to purchase American F-35 fighter jets in favor of Eurofighter and the European FCAS system

 Spain has officially abandoned plans to purchase American-made F-35 fighter jets and will now focus on choosing between the European Eurofighter and the promising Future Combat Air System (FCAS), a representative of the country's Ministry of Defense said. This decision was the result of Madrid's strategy of prioritizing investments in the European defense industry, which makes the purchase of American aircraft economically and politically impractical.

In the 2023 budget, the Spanish government allocated about 6.25 billion euros for the purchase of new fighter jets, but in 2025 it increased defense spending and at the same time decided to allocate most of the funds (about 85% of the additional budget) to European-made projects. This means that the purchase of F-35s created by Lockheed Martin is now impossible. According to representatives of the ministry, preference will be given to either the existing Eurofighter, manufactured by Airbus, BAE Systems and Leonardo, or the multifunctional FCAS system, developed jointly by France, Germany and Spain, which is due to enter service by 2040.

The abandonment of the F-35 will affect the plans of the Spanish Air Force and Navy: the Eurofighter will be used to replace the aging fleet of fighter jets, and FCAS is seen as a long-term next-generation solution. At the same time, the Spanish navy has a problem replacing the Harrier AV-8B fighters, since the F-35B was the only available platform with a shortened takeoff and vertical landing — there are no such alternatives now, which creates a potential gap in carrier aviation.

Spain's strategic decision to support European projects caused a negative reaction in the United States, where, in particular, former President Donald Trump threatened to impose additional customs duties on Spanish products due to Spain's refusal to increase military spending to 5% of GDP.

Thus, Spain is betting on strengthening European defense capabilities, focusing on joint production and technology development within the framework of European programs, despite the compromises and challenges associated with the abandonment of the most modern American fighter.

Italy considers Japanese Kawasaki P-1 patrol aircraft to strengthen anti-submarine defense

Kawasaki P-1

Italy is exploring the possibility of acquiring a Japanese Kawasaki P-1 anti-submarine aircraft to fill a critical shortage of anti-submarine threats in the Mediterranean Sea. This move may be a response to the growing activity of submarines in the region and the obsolescence of the Italian naval aviation fleet.   

The P-1, developed by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, is considered one of the most technologically advanced patrol aircraft in the world. It is equipped with:  

- Multifunctional radar system HPS-106 for detecting submarines;  

- Hydroacoustic buoys and magnetometers;  

- The ability to carry Type 97 torpedoes and anti-submarine bombs .  

The aircraft is capable of operating at ranges up to 8000 km, which makes it ideal for patrolling vast waters, including the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic.  

Italy probably evaluates the P-1 as an alternative to the American P-8 Poseidon, which is already used by NATO countries. However, cooperation with Japan can provide additional advantages:

- Technological exchange within the framework of strengthening strategic partnership;  

- Reducing dependence on American supplies amid rising tensions in Europe .  

The decision to strengthen anti-submarine forces is connected with the intensification of underwater activities of Russia and other states in the Mediterranean Sea. As noted in the analytical materials, the region is becoming the scene of a "quiet war" of submarines, which requires Italy to modernize aviation.  

If the contract is signed, the Kawasaki P-1 will become the first Japanese military aircraft in the Italian Air Force. It will also strengthen Japan's position as an exporter of high-tech weapons, which is in line with Tokyo's policy of expanding military-technical cooperation.  

The French patrol plane Atlantique 2 was “attacked” by Russian air defense in the Baltic Sea

 According to the Joint Staff of the French Armed Forces on March 19, the French maritime aviation patrol aircraft Atlantique 2 was "attacked" by the Russian air defense system during a planned mission to monitor the Baltic Sea.

The incident occurred as the French aircraft was patrolling international airspace as part of NATO's efforts to protect critical maritime infrastructure in the region. French officials said a Russian naval unit, likely a warship, used fire control radar to illuminate the aircraft, a tactic typically associated with missile guidance.

The French patrol plane Atlantique 2